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Black History Month

Race Council Cymru manages the Black History Wales wide (BHW) and Black History Cymru 365 portfolio in Wales and acknowledges the contributions made by Black people to local, national and world history and culture. It does this through delivering an informative educational and celebratory programme of events through the year, culminating in an end of year celebration of Black History Month in October annually. It encourages everyone, irrespective of ethnicity or colour, to take part in events, learn about our shared global history and celebrate diversity and cultural understanding.

Cardiff – the capital of Wales – was one Britain’s first multi-cultural cities, where numerous nationalities have lived side-by-side for decades.

BHM Wales is hosted by Race Council Cymru (RCC), which is the overarching umbrella body in Wales established by ethnic minority community who work to combat racial prejudice, race discrimination, harassment, abuse and violence. RCC promotes art, heritage and cultural activities for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities across Wales. Black History Month Wales is a network that engages, educates and empowers individuals, community groups and Wales-wide communities in acknowledging and recognising the contributions that the African Diaspora has made in the history of Wales’ economic and cultural development. It also allows the wider community to take part, learn and celebrate together to promote understanding and share our global history.

The ultimate goal is to see meaningful activities happening all year round, 365 – hence our Black History 5-year strategy BHCumru365 for all the days of the year and not just in October. Black History is Welsh history and should be studied, celebrated and showcased as part the national curriculum, additional educational activities, artistic programmes, College and University Studies and Museum and Gallery exhibits.

This year marks the 11th Year Anniversary of Black History Month celebrations across Wales and we are delighted to announce that the theme for Black History Month 2018 is ‘Icons of Black Wales’

These icons may be Welsh or have touched Wales in some way.

Over the past few months, we have been asking our grassroots communities to nominate significant individuals whose work and contributions have been impactive for recognition and acknowledgment across Wales to mark the theme

Icons of Black Wales and we have been overwhelmed by the brilliant contributions people of African descent and diaspora have been making here in Wales, both those on the list and many who’s names are not featured on the list.

Working with Walesonline, the nominations have been narrowed down to a 100 significant African/African Caribbean’s. The list will be published online on the 28th of September 2018 11.30am – 4.30pm to align with the launch of Black History Month with a Black History Youth Awards in Wales hosted by Professor Mark Drakeford AM with special guest Lord Herman Ouseley at the Pierhead Building Cardiff Ba, Performance by Kizzy Crawford & Ify Iwobi – Free Event and all welcome to attend.